A militant group in Meghalaya, Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has issued a public statement announcing the boycott of Republic Day celebrations. Inspite of the statement, Meghalaya will go ahead with the celebrations in presence of tight security at the Polo grounds, where Governor KK Paul will unfurl the Indian flag.

Such kind of militant groups have always come out and issued a statement announcing boycott of Republic Day, Independence Day etc, a kind of trend in North East India amongst militant groups. ''This is nothing new for us. For the past 15 years, they have issued such statements,'' said M. Kharkrang, Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills.

This may not be new for police as they have dealt with such threats a number of times in the past, but the general public might have to think twice before going to the Polo grounds. But, history suggests that the residents of Meghalaya are also habituated to the threats, as they also pour out in numbers to celebrate India's Republic Day.

With a tone of confidence in his voice, Kharkrang said, ''The people of Meghalaya will respond positively. The public has confidence in us and we will make sure that the celebrations are carried out successfully.'' Still, they cannot take such threats lightly, for they may strike during the celebrations. Though, with the security planned for the day, it might be a difficult task for the militants as well. Though, the officer maintains that they are not ignoring the threat, as ''we do not take any threat lightly as well.''

''We have deployed normal measures. The area has been sanitised. There is police presence every 24 hours in the area. Apart from this, during the evenings primarily, we have a very strict vehicle checking process in place as well, '' said Kharkrang.

He further added that the militant group with such statement just want to show that they are still alive and active.